OUR OPINION: For the U.S. Senate, we endorse Ed Markey

Sending someone to Washington shouldn’t be about a candidate’s charisma, it should be based on who will best – and most effectively – represent Massachusetts’ values. That candidate is Ed Markey.

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Jun. 15, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 15, 2013 at 3:12 PM

Posted Jun. 15, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 15, 2013 at 3:12 PM

» Social News

The race between Democratic U.S. Representative Ed Markey and Republican businessman Gabriel Gomez for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by John Kerry has been far less electrifying than the one eight months ago.

The differences between the candidates’ positions is clear, though neither has managed to inspire the electorate with what have been lackluster, albeit brief, campaigns. But sending someone to Washington shouldn’t be about a candidate’s charisma, it should be based on who will best – and most effectively – represent Massachusetts’ values. That candidate is Ed Markey.

In his 37 years in Congress, Markey has proven to be a consummate legislator. While many Members of Congress introduce bills and offer amendments, Markey has the prowess to get his passed. He led the way in opening up the Internet to competition and has continued to ensure it remains a place for freedom via his Internet Freedom Preservation Act. Markey has been a vocal and persistent watchdog of the nuclear industry, and outspoken on all of Plymouth’s Pilgrim nuclear power plant’s shortcomings – though it’s far removed from his district. He’s authored and passed legislation to protect children online, and has consistently been an advocate, working with Republican leaders, for privacy for all.

With everything from his positions on personal privacy for medical and cellphone records, to his consistent votes against the reauthorization of The Patriot Act, Markey has advocated for the people. In the age of hyper technology where corporations and, as we’ve recently discovered, our own government routinely spy on us, Markey’s wonkinsh focus is vital to ensuring Constitutional rights are preserved as we sort out Spygate. Given his record as a vocal advocate for Massachusetts and consumers of every state, Markey is the better choice.

It has been healthy for the civic dialogue and energizing for the two party system to see Gabriel Gomez in this race. We were pleased that someone of his caliber stepped up to serve – not only in our armed forces, but in support of our democratic system of governance. The son of immigrants, he worked hard to prove the American dream still exists. He’s innately bright and successful in both his personal and professional life.

Though his campaign had a slow start, with missteps along the way, Gomez proved to be a well-informed candidate, and as the race wore on, far more forthright about who he is and what he represents. We appreciate his positions on requiring universal background checks for gun purchases and his willingness to hold colleges and universities accountable for their role in the student loan debt crisis.

Such frankness is welcome, especially in today’s carefully orchestrated political landscape. Working in a fractured Congress requires a tough hide and diplomatic skills, essential traits not apparent in his actions and responses during this campaign. We anticipate a fast learning curve for Gomez, and encourage him to run for office again.

Page 2 of 2 - While door-to-door campaigning does not seem to come easily to Markey, his low profile on the campaign trail was an enormous disappointment to many across the state less familiar with him. But retail politics can’t trump political savvy and knowledge of the issues. We expect the intellectual reserve of the Senate will be a good fit for him and he for it, on behalf of the people of Massachusetts.

Please cast a ballot for the candidate of your choice on Tuesday, June 25.